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What's Your Fortune?
By Mike Hyland
Executive Director, NEPPA
Last Monday – November 3rd, NEPPA hosted a 60th Anniversary celebration at our facility in Littleton, Massachusetts. Whenever you plan one of these events, there’s always a lot of unknowns. Will it rain/sleet/snow and force us to cancel? Will people show up? Do we have enough food? But the worry started months ago. Will the memorial bench make it here from Indiana? Will the landscapers and concrete guys get the location ready in time? What type of program should we put on - 10 minutes? 20 minutes? An hour? As Wendy Esche from NEPPA staff loves to remind me – “Mike, relax. It will all work out.” And it did. Over 75 people were present for the unveiling of our Memorial Bench. If you were there – THANK YOU! You made it special. The bench is something to marvel at, and the artist Jim Binkley hit a home run. Thanks also to Ray Gouley for pushing us to get a memorial started, and to all those that have been part of the last 60 years of service in the northeast.
We had some laughs, discussed the 60 years of existence, the luncheon was excellent, the cake and cookies were special, and I always appreciate Jackie Campbell’s pictures and videos. It was a very good day and just watching everyone interact was special. For those that didn’t make it, next time you are in Littleton, stop by and check out the bench. It’s located at the base of our flagpole, and it's a perfect spot for a picture!
So, what do you do after a great day at work when all the planning seems to come together? Go out for Chinese food of course. Lol. Too tired to cook, we decided to hit a local restaurant in Nashua. We had great conversation about how things came together, and after the meal, we were presented with my favorite – the Chinese cookie with the Chinese proverb inside.
Now, this ritual has fascinated me since I was in college. As a young boy in Philly, I never experienced Chinese food growing up, in fact I never experienced any restaurant food growing up. Could you imagine my parents trying to take out 7 boys for dinner? Forget the cost that we couldn’t afford, think about the scene? Punches, food fights, and flipped chairs would have been the norm, and my parents were not about to go through that in public.
So when I attended Drexel, I experienced my first Chinese food, purchased at a small food truck in Center City. To my surprise, I was handed a cookie with my lunch. As my buddy Joe and I walked to the Newman Catholic Center to sit down and eat, I opened the wrapper and threw it in my mouth. My buddy laughed hysterically as I pulled the paper out of my mouth – all gnarly, wet and torn from chewing. Bam – welcome to the world of fortune cookies.
Ever since, I have been amazed by them and I still read each and every one I receive. I also want to read everyone’s else's fortunes around the table. Last week was no exception. Mine read “Excellence is the difference between what you do, and what you are capable of". Even though I was tired (but happy) after a long day, I couldn't help but think critically at the exact meaning of this proverb. It was more than I originally bargained for mentally, but it was fun to ponder nonetheless. I also took time to check out the placemat. It was the same one we all have seen when feasting on wonton soup, pu pu platters or cashew chicken. It was the listing of the 12 different Chinese years. I couldn't help but notice that NEPPA started in 1965 - the Year of the Snake, and this year – 2025 is also, the Year of the Snake.
So, I title this Newsline – “What’s your fortune?” Well, what is it? Do you rely on trusting the lore of Chinese proverbs found in a cookie, or do you believe you can make your fortune by other means? “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity” is a well-known quote attributed to the Roman philosopher Seneca. I’ve always liked that quote. It makes me feel that I need to keep planning, keep improving, and when the opportunity arises – I’ll be ready to pounce. Others may disagree. Baseball Pitcher Lefty Gomez stated “I’d rather be lucky than good’. I’ve heard that a lot over the years.
So what made NEPPA successful for 60 years and counting? Luck? A fortune cookie proverb? Maybe fate? I’d disagree with all those expressions. NEPPA has been successful for 60 years due to the continued efforts put forth by the membership. Last Monday we celebrated the giants of NEPPA, those that stood firm and together formed an association that is now poised for success in the future, regardless of what obstacles ahead. Why? Because collectively we are rowing in the same direction, one of public service to provide services to our communities that make an impact, not a profit. I’m fortunate to be the Executive Director at this milestone and to celebrate 60 years of success. Buts it's not mine to celebrate – it’s yours – your towns', your communities', your past and present employees'.
And for those who have met me, you know the support I have from my wife Colleen on all my crazy ideas and escapades. It is kind of fitting that hers read: ”Patience is the key to a loving mind” - Maybe these proverbs have a little truth to them.
Cheers,
-Mike
| | Another Sucessful Energy Connect Conference | | |
NEPPA's 2025 Energy Connect Conference - Natick, MA - October 21-23 - We had over 120 attendees at last month's ECC Conference held at the Verve hotel in Natick, MA. This conference continues to be one of our most highly rated conferences by participants in post-event surveys. This year was no exception. Full of learning, new ideas and great conversations, it was a coming together of our public power family and a celebration of the industry we love!
Here is what people had to say about this year's Energy Connect Conference:
"BROUGHT TOGETHER THE BEST IN THE INDUSTRY"
Energy Connect Conference brought together the best in the industry; engaging discussions, practical takeaways, fresh ideas, and valuable new connections! - Dani Taylor, Energy Services/Communications Supervisor at Middleborough Gas and Electric Department
"PERFECT EVENT FOR SOMEONE NEW"
"This conference was the perfect event for someone new to the industry, I met so many people and got exposed to so many different elements of public power!" - Jordan Webster, Energy Specialist at Belmont Municipal Light Department
"THE OPPORTUNITY TO NETWORK AND GROW IS A TREMENDOUS ASSET"
"I have worked in the municipal environment for 3.25 years and my career and knowledge base is exponentially more than those three years due entirely to networking and participation in municipal associations, primarily NEPPA. The enthusiasm, the education, the opportunity to network and grow is a tremendous asset and I am grateful to be a member." - Anne Finley, Administrative Assistant at Hull Municipal Light Plant
"I FOUND THE EVENT ENGAGING, THE ATTENDEES WELCOMING, AND THE CONTENT INFORMATIVE"
"As a first time sponsor and attendee to NEPPA's Energy Connect, I found the event engaging, the attendees welcoming, and the content informative. As someone who attends about a dozen Utility conferences a year, that combination is rare! I highly recommend!" - Holly Baird, Director of Utility Accounts at Milepost
| | Congratulations to our Carol A. Tracey Customer Service Award Winners | | |
The Carol A. Tracey Award is presented to employees of NEPPA member utilities who deliver outstanding service to their customers, either through sustained, exceptional performance in serving their customers, or the development of new and/or innovative programs to meet customer needs. These awards are presented at the Energy Connect Conference each year. The 2025 Recipients are as follows:
Kristen Ennis, Hull Municipal Light Plant
Callie Knower, Holden Municipal Light Department
Helen Panico, Braintree Electric Light Department
Hannah Shoreman, Ipswich Municipal Light Department
Christine White, Hingham Municipal Lighting Plant
| | Upcoming Training & Events | | -- RSVP by November 24th! -- | | | | |
Annual Membership Meeting & Apprentice Lineworker Graduation
December 4, 2025
7:30 AM - 2:00 PM
AC Marriott Hotel
Worcester, MA
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Tactical Tuesday
December 9, 2025
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Held Virtually &
Free to NEPPA Members
| | | -- Check Out This New Class! -- | | | | |
PR Bootcamp
December 11, 2025
8:30 am - 2:00 pm
NEPPA Training Center
Littleton, MA
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PR Bootcamp
December 11, 2025
8:30 am - 2:00 pm
NEPPA Training Center
Littleton, MA
2026 Annual Conference*
August 16 - 19, 2026
Margaritaville Resort
Hyannis, MA
2027 Annual Conference*
August 29 - September 1, 2027
Newport Harbor Island Resort
Newport, RI
| (Jackie Pratt from Stowe Electric Department showing off her yo-yo skills at the 2025 Energy Connect Conference.) | |
*Registration not yet available.
See All Events
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2026 Apprentice Lineworker Program
Year I:
Group A: Jan. 27 – 30; Mar. 31 – Apr. 3; Jul. 21 – Jul 24; Sept. 29 – Oct 2
Group B: Feb. 3 – 6; Apr. 7 – 10; July 28-31; Oct. 6 – 9
Year II:
Group A: Feb. 10 – 13; Apr. 21 – 24 (Plymouth, NH); Aug. 4 – 7; Oct. 20 – 23
Group B: Feb. 17 – 20; Apr. 28 – May 1 (Plymouth, NH); Aug. 11 – 14; Oct. 27 – 30
Year III:
Group A: Mar. 3 -6; May 5 – 8; Sept. 1 – 4 (Pascoag, RI); Nov. 3 – 6
Group B: Mar. 10-13; May 19 – 22; Sept. 15 – 18 (Pascoag, RI); Nov. 17 – 20
Year IV: Mar. 17 – 20; Jun. 2 – 5; Sep. 22 – 25; Dec. 1 – 3
Program Make-ups
June 23 – Hands-on (for years 1 and 2)
June 24 – Hands-on (for years 3 and 4)
November 9 – Hands-on (for years 1 and 2)
November 10 – Hands-on (for years 3 and 4)
-For written exam make-ups please contact NEPPA directly to schedule.
Apprentice Lineworker Program Graduation
(Class of 2026)
December 3, 2026
Learn More
| | Federal Funding: Congress fails to pass government funding in October; Administration announces layoffs during shutdown… | | FERC: Two new commissioners confirmed; FERC receives proposed rule directive on large load interconnection… | | Energy Department: DOE announces billions in project cancellations; Undersecretary of Energy is replaced; Department releases fusion road map… | | MMWEC, Western Mass Municipal Light Plants Host Event Highlighting Economic Benefits of Public Power | | (Picture above: Event Attendees shown touring Valley Malt, a nearby business that is
thriving and growing in Holyoke) | | |
October 20, 2025 - Ludlow, MA - At a time when energy affordability is front of mind for many, Western Massachusetts public power utilities and their joint action agency are highlighting the lower rates and economic development benefits of municipal light plants (MLPs) in the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth’s designated joint action agency for municipal utilities, Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC), in partnership with the six Western Massachusetts public power utilities, including Holyoke Gas & Electric (HG&E), Chicopee Electric Light (CEL), South Hadley Electric Light Department (SHELD), Westfield Gas & Electric (WG&E), Russell Municipal Light Department (RMLD) and Chester Municipal Electric Light Department (CMELD), brought together legislators, local elected officials, local businesses and organizations for a Western Mass Public Utility Briefing in Holyoke on Friday, October 17.
The day included remarks by staff from the utilities, MMWEC, the Western Mass Economic Development Council, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts in Chicopee, Jarvis Surgical in Westfield, and Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center. Attendees toured a HG&E hydro facility, a carbon-free renewable resource that helps the utility keep rates steady, and visited Valley Malt, a nearby business that is thriving and growing in Holyoke.
| | Concord Municipal Light Plant Expands EV Fleet | | |
November 7, 2025 - Concord, MA - Massachusetts public power utility Concord Municipal Light Plant has added three new Chevy Equinox Electric Vehicles to its fleet, replacing one older vehicle and expanding the total number of vehicles in service.
According to Laura Scott, Assistant Director of Power Supply and Energy Management, the current fleet now includes: 4 electric vehicles, 3 gasoline hybrids, 11 gasoline-powered vehicles, & 18 diesel-powered vehicles (including off-road and trailered equipment).
This transition supports Concord’s commitment to carbon reduction and sustainability. By electrifying its fleet, CMLP expects to lower operating and maintenance costs while significantly reducing its environmental footprint.
The town’s Sustainable Fleet Policy and Climate Action & Resilience Plan both call for continued fleet electrification as part of broader climate goals.
The purchase of these EVs was supported by the Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit and the Commonwealth’s MOR-EV rebate program, available to residents and businesses in Massachusetts.
| | Public Power Utilities Recognized with National Customer Satisfaction Awards, Earn Smart Energy Provider Designations | | |
November 3, 2025 - Salt Lake City, Utah - Fifteen public power utilities have been recognized by the American Public Power Association with 2025 Public Power Customer Satisfaction Awards for providing excellent service to their communities, while fourteen public power utilities have earned a Smart Energy Provider (SEP) designation from APPA.
The awards and designations were announced at APPA’s Customer Connections conference on November 3 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Customer Satisfaction Awards: The customer satisfaction award is the result of receiving high marks from customers in: Customer service, Field personnel, Communication, Reliability, Value, Outage response, Innovation, and Overall satisfaction. Winners of Public Power Customer Satisfaction Awards were honored at gold, silver, and bronze levels based on responses to customer surveys.
NEPPA Member Utilities Winning Customer Satisfaction Awards this year:
Gold Award winners are:
• Braintree Electric Light Department, Massachusetts
• Shrewsbury Electric and Cable Operations, Massachusetts
Silver Award winners are:
• Groton Utilities, Connecticut
• Hingham Municipal Lighting Plant, Massachusetts
• Merrimac Municipal Light Department, Massachusetts
Smart Energy Provider Designations: The fourteen public power utilities that earned a SEP designation from APPA demonstrated commitment to and proficiency in energy efficiency, distributed energy resources, and environmental initiatives that support the goal of providing safe, reliable, low-cost, and sustainable electric service. Monique Hampton, Energy Innovation & Adoption Chair, presented the designation.
This year, 14 utilities earned the designation, and in total, more than 100 public power utilities hold the SEP designation. The SEP designation, which lasts for three years December 1, 2025 – November 30, 2028), recognizes public power utilities for demonstrating leading practices in four key disciplines: smart energy information; energy efficiency and distributed energy resources programs; environmental and sustainability programs and initiatives; and communication, education, and customer experience.
NEPPA Member Utilities with New 2025 Smart Energy Provider Designations:
Rowley Municipal Lighting Plant, Massachusetts
Westfield Gas + Electric/Whip City Fiber, Massachusetts
| | Keeping you Connected... Events & Opportunities | | American Public Power Association's Annual Conference Coming to Boston, MA in 2026 | | |
When: June 26 - July 1, 2026
Where: Boston, MA (Conference location and hotel TBD)
About the National Conference
The APPA National Conference is your time to reconnect, recharge, and power up for the future at the nation’s premier gathering of public power leaders. Join us and explore how changing policy, technology, and lifestyles are reshaping the energy industry and how that impacts your community. Engage with visionaries and experts, exchange strategies and solutions with other public power leaders and policymakers, and discover tools for your future success. Join us to plug in to the experience, innovation, and leadership of your national public power community.
Who Should Attend
Connect with public power’s leaders for ideas and insights at the National Conference:
- General managers and CEOs
- Senior managers, rising stars and future leaders
- Mayors
- Governing board members
- City council members
- Policy and strategy makers
- Industry partners and vendors
- Consultants and subject matter experts
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(Pictured above: Collections Panel Participants at the 2025 Energy Connect Conference in Natick, MA.) | |
| | | Two Types of Workplace Stress | |
November 2025 - Instead of thinking of stress as the traditional two types of stress, categorize it as unnecessary or motivating. How much of the stress you are dealing with at work is superfluous? How can it be eliminated? Are you a source of unnecessary stress for someone else at work? Eliminate unnecessary stress and embrace motivating stress to become a more efficient and safer worker.
Read More
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